7 Suspects Arrested For Oil Theft In Rivers State As NSCDC Impounds Illegally Refined Diesel

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, have arrested seven suspects for their alleged involvement in oil theft.

The operatives impounded a badge and three boats loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise called diesel.

According to the Commandant of the NSCDC Rivers State Command, Joachin Okafor, two of the suspects were caught in the act of scooping AGO from the badge, transferring the product into cellophane bags and preparing to transport them to an unknown destination.

The suspects, along with the confiscated vessels, were paraded on Wednesday at the crime scene.

The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal oil dealings in the state.

Commandant Okafor emphasized that the recent arrests are part of the agency's renewed efforts to clamp down on oil thieves and protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources.

Okafor said he is in the state to wage war against economic saboteurs syphoning crude oil through vandalism, operation of illegal bunkering sites, conveyance of illegally refined products amongst others.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commandant further paraded another five suspects who were arrested by the Marine Squad at Tombia-Iwofe axis along the waterways.

“Preliminary reports shows that they were arrested with three boats laden with unquantified litres of AGO.

“Our continuous war against crude oil theft is motivated by our resolve and commitment to combat illegal bunkering activities in the coastal areas thereby increasing the production of oil in the nation.

“Safeguarding critical assets and infrastructure is our core mandate and as an operational commandant, my administration will restore sanctity in the state, the Corps is against all acts of environmental degradation and pollution leading to health hazards; the glory of our economy will certainly be restored because it will not be business as usual for those stealing the nation's crude oil,” he said.

The Commandant noted that a thorough investigation would be made to unravel those behind the unscrupulous acts.